“The X Factor” kicked off its live shows on Tuesday night and judge Simon Cowell was beaming – and gloating – after this team, The Girls, performed.

“I was happy with the show and… more happy that my contestants just killed everyone else’s,” Simon told Access Hollywood. “I’m so doing better, I’m thrilled… my artists are better.”

The British judge thinks he has the edge on L.A. Reid’s The Boys contestants.

“L.A. Reid doesn’t want to sit on this live show and see me do better than him, which I plainly did tonight,” Simon continued.

Beyond a little playful competitiveness, Simon said he’s happy and confident that the show will turn out a true star.

“I’m excited. I can see stars emerging here — artists that are going to sell records in the real world, that was the job,” he added.

Access also caught up with judge Paula Abdul, who was recovering from her long week of mentoring The Groups.

“I have put in the hours, they have put in the hours… it’s a lot of work” Paula told Access. “I can only dream that we have the same level of success [as ‘American Idol’]… I’m just happy, I’m very blessed… mentoring is my strongest suit.”

“The X Factor’s” Top 12 Finalists are:

The Girls – Melanie Amaro, Rachel Crow and Drew

The Boys – Astro, Marcus Canty and Chris Rene

The Over 30s – LeRoy Bell, Stacy Francis and Josh Krajcik

The Groups – InTENsity, Lakoda Rayne and The Stereo Hogzz

Next week, the Top 12 Finalists will battle it out for America’s votes on another live show on Wednesday November 2 at 8 PM followed by the first live results show on Thursday at 8 PM on FOX.

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